How to Eat Healthy When Traveling

Do your eating habits stay consistent when you’re on the road? Or do you tend to fall off the wagon, so to say? For many of us, “rules” are lightened – but oftentimes without the convenience of your own kitchen and food stores around, we resort to whatever is available, and sometimes end up coming back feeling frustrated. Not to worry – I want to help! With a little planning (aren’t you tired of me saying that);), you CAN eat healthy when traveling and come back feeling great. Here’s how:

Seek out accommodations to suit

After having our first child, I realized that having a place to stay with a kitchenette is key. It all started the first time that we traveled to Walt Disney World. While you are able to find decent eating options at the most magical place on Earth (~.~), I wanted to make sure that we were well-nourished before heading out for our day without breaking the bank. At that time, we had a napper (and then another, and another, and another …) so we’d come back to our place in the afternoon anyhow. So why not make lunch while we are there, I figured?

Though we are out of the napping stage, I now know that I can not only feed my family breakfast in our hotel (with a kitchenette) but I can also pre-prep lunches to bring along with us. We save money, eat better and feel better, too! Important notes: ideally you have a suite, condo, Air B-n-B or otherwise that has a kitchenette. With that being said, it can still be done without (see below).

Find a nearby grocery store

You have two choices: schlep all of your gear along with you to your destination, or find a store nearby and pick your stuff up upon arrival. If we are driving, I’ll prepare, pack and take most of our foodstuff but sometimes even seek out a store for a few add-ons. If we are flying, I’m definitely hunting down the nearest Whole Foods Market or likewise upon arrival. This is a simple search in the maps function of an i-Phone, or via many apps.

Research restaurants ahead of time

I’m a huge fan of seeking out restaurants (ahem) ahead of time. Note my pause, because I typically do this while en route (I’m a work in progress here!). Whether you like to research ahead or on the way, find food places that suit your eating styles (offer gluten-free, dairy-free, local, farm to table, etc.). I’ve found Trip Advisor to be really helpful in this area; the ratings and comments are super valuable.

Bring snacks

Whether I’m traveling with my family or going solo, I always have some sort of snacks on hand. A little planning goes a long way and ensures you have quality foods on hand to hold you over in-between meals, when hunger calls, and even in boredom situations for little ones. Here are a few of my faves:

Prepare food (when applicable)

I have a love-hate relationship with preparing food ahead of time to travel with. It can be a lot of work during an already stressful time to cook ahead. But girls – let me tell you how much I looooove having this in our refrigerator once we arrive! That makes it all the more worth it.

I have read about people packing a carry-on suitcase with some of these foods prepared and packed with ice packs around it. I haven’t personally done that, but I do always pack a cooler with some of these foods before heading out on car trips. I strongly encourage you to try this if you haven’t!! Here are some foods that I prep and pack:

Longer airline flights

Since mini packs of pretzels + a beverage don’t necessarily cut it on longer flights, here are a few tips regarding food:

For a long flight, bring quick cooking oats + raisins. Ask for a cup of hot water for tea, and mix in your oats + raisins for a healthy, filling, fibrous snack. Add in some nut butter for some added protein.

Foods other than liquids are fine to bring on board. Sidenote: soups don’t fly! Literally. I know from experience;). Sandwiches, pizza, salad with dressing on it, roasted vegetables, stuffed sweet potatoes and hard boiled eggs are all good foods to consider bringing. Don’t forget your utensils.

I like to pack the above foods in a container that I can wash out and reuse on the way home.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. And I’m talking water here, not the hard stuff!

Bring a cooler (or two)

For car trips, we’ll pack our large cooler with food and with plenty of ice packs. We also bring a smaller cooler for day trips, or if I’m traveling alone, I’ll bring a personal-sized lunchbag/cooler.

If you are staying in a hotel room without a kitchenette, utilize the mini-fridge. Alert the hotel ahead of time that you won’t be using the foods within and have them clear the contents before your arrival. In addition, use your coolers to store foods that you purchase from the nearby grocery store. Simply fill up bags of ice from the ice machine to keep foods cold. We like to keep carrots and hummus, an assortment of fruit, hard boiled eggs, yogurts, cheese and cheese sticks and any pre-baked foods in the room for simple breakfasts and snacks. Round it out with shelf stable milk, cereal, oatmeal (heat water in the coffee maker to make) and you can definitely tackle breakfast and snacks.

Stay active

When I’m at home, I exercise 5-6 days each week. Between running, TRX, HIIT classes, yoga and power walks, I like to keep it varied and challenging. So when I vacation, I like to keep moving … but without stress. If I’m with my family, I’ll generally get in a run or two – but I like to keep it active with my crew. We’ll walk whatever city we are in, taking the stairs when available, swimming in the pools, etc. Though I’m not seeking out classes and such, I feel good about us all being active together.

Wherever you go, aim to get outside and get some fresh air, some vitamin D and some good ol’ exercise – all good efforts to keep you healthy:).

Set realistic expectations

Before you head out, try to get a mental plan for what your goals are for the trip. Are you okay doing like I do and skipping the gym but instead planning to walk the city? Do you wish to keep your 90/10 eating rules, or are you going to bend to 80/20? What are your thoughts on sugar for your trip? I’ve found that sometimes having a plan ahead of time helps you mentally prepare AND be okay (read: not beat yourself up) during and after your travels. And on that note – try to relax. You’re going on vacation, after all. And while I’m a firm believer that it’s a lifestyle, you’re not going to get “healthy” with a quick fix, I also believe in giving yourself a time to relax and rejuvenate. As long as you don’t veer too far off course, you should be able to get back on track easily.

What tips have I missed? How do you like to stay and eat healthy when traveling? Please share in the comments below. And happy travels!

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About Me

Hi! I’m a mom of four who provides healthy, gluten-free meals to my family while balancing a busy life. I hope to help you get meals on the table faster, and get your kids to help (and enjoy being!) in the kitchen. Start Here